Download Beaches are one of the most imposrtantThe beach has

Beaches are one of the most important coastal ecosystems. New Protocol on ICZM in the
Mediterranean has recognised its importance and it advocates for adoption of measures
„to ensure the protection and conservation, through legislation, planning and
management of marine and coastal areas, in particular of those hosting habitats and
species of high conservation value (Article 10)“ such as dunes and beaches.
In adition to its biodiveristy value, the beach has a primary importance for the bulk of
holiday tourists. Beaches bring in tourists, which equates to money. For example,
Houston (1995, 1996, 2002) pointed out that Miami Beach spent circa US$ 70 million on
beach nourishment, which, in return, brought some US$ 2 billion annually from foreign
tourists alone. Similarly, Micallef et al. (2001) have calculated that sand nourishment of a
beach at St George’s Bay (island of Malta, Malta), would bring a 13% increase of nearby
public property values and a 1% increase in hotel property value. Translated in monetary
value, it is up to a US$ 6,000,000 increase in local property values.
It is calculated that beaches in USA may be responsible for an annual income of over 170
billion dollars. Similarly, the gross economic value of beach tourism and recreation was
estimated to be $ 637 million or 57% of the total gross economic value of tourism and
recreation resources in New South Wales coast (James, 2000).
Also, Spain is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean and in
the world. In 2003, tourism accounted for 11.4% of Spanish GDP. Taking into
consideration that the tourism concept in Spain is still oriented toward “sea, sun and
sand” model, it can be concluded that beaches are one of the most important country’s
assets. Namely, beach tourism in Spain is responsible for approximately 74% of foreign
tourism (Yepes, 1998 in Silva et al, 2007). The same conclusion could be drawn for most
of other north Mediterranean countries as well.
However, beach attractiveness (and therefore value) is not incontestable in ever given
situation. Number of studies has shown that beach scenery, accessibility, historic
features, safety and basic services all contribute to beach attractiveness. In addition,
presence of litter on the beach is the single most important deterrent to beach usage
(Ronan, 2008). Frequent beach cleaning activities are, therefore, key for obtaining the
high value of this natural resource.
Not all the litter that could be found on the beach is the result of the beach users’
activities. According to the United Nations Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects
of Marine Pollution (GESAMP, 1991) land-based sources can account for up to 80 percent
of the world’s marine pollution. Among other, these include debris blown into the water
or carried by creeks, rivers, sewers and landfills to ocean areas. Much of these debris
returns back to the shorelines and waterways and spoils the aesthetic beauty of beaches
and other sites, negatively affecting tourism. Also, it can be hazardous to human health
and safety; it can cause habitat destruction and it can be lethal for marine wildlife (Ocean
Conservancy, 2007).
Monitoring marine debris on the shoreline can provide a better understanding of the
problem, i.e. its type, source etc, helping in defining and implementing debris
management strategies. Conducting precise documentation and monitoring type and
amount of marine debris, combined with public education and effective waste
management strategies, can lead to global reduction of marine debris problem (Ocean
Conservancy, 2007).